Feature author for June - Hazel Edwards

The Anzac Stories: Behind the Pages exhibition has many fabulous Australian and New Zealand authors and illustrators in it. Go to Authors/Illustrators/Books to see the full list.

This month we have well-known author Hazel Edwards, author of Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop and 200 other books (including There's a hippopotamus on our roof eating cake).

In Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop Hazel Edwards explores why this wartime surgeon and rugby-player, is so well regarded. Melbourne born, farm boy 'Weary' was fascinated by medical science and sport. In November 1939, after the outbreak of WWII, Weary signed up for the Australian Army. In April 1942, Weary and his men became prisoners of war. Weary's leadership against the Japanese prison guards was heroic. He saved lives through his medical skills, negotiated on behalf of his men, and persuaded the Japanese it was in their interests to have healthier prisoners. Read his story to find out how he survived the war and led a successful medical career afterwards.

Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop is part of the Aussie Heroes series, which introduces junior readers to heroes who have made an important contribution to Australian society. Aimed at readers 10 plus New Frontier Aussie Heroes series include Weary Dunlop, Dr Fred Hollows  and Edith Cowan , the quiet woman of note. Download a teaching resource to go with the Aussie Heroes series: What Makes a Hero? Discussion Activity Use these points to discuss your hero.

Here are some reviews of Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop online. 

• abc_radio_krista_bell_reviewing_weary.doc 'written in child-friendly mode'.
• Weary' write up a ripping read - Herald Sun Weekender, March 26, 2011
• Buzz Words Review 'This series allows young children to access information.'
• Leader newspapers 'tale of a man of great courage'
• Need to Read This!: featured authors & books such as our 'Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop'. 
• Kids Book Reviews  Anzac Day recommended reading
• Aussie Reviews.com  'A well rounded summary of a remarkable man.'
• KidsBookReview 'This is the essence of educational adventuring and it's addictive'  Jo Burnell
• The Book Chook: "Boys in particular will enjoy reading about Dunlop's sporting prowess.'
• New Frontier Publisher Blog  Relative Heroes and sharing an author's  poignant moment.
• Read Plus: child friendly
• My Little Bookcase  recommended junior history book list
• NSW Assoc for Gifted & Talented reminds readers that heroes were once children. A very readable account.

Hazel's book about Edith Cowan features another person who helped the war effort. Edith Cowan was involved behind the scenes in the Red Cross organising assistance for the troops and families on their return from WW1. She was against international war but practical about what she could do. She was also the first woman elected to parliament. In 1920 she received an OBE for her services during WW1; coordinating the care for returned soldiers. You can find her on a $50 note. 

Existing teacher resources here:  

Follow Hazel on Twitter: @muirmoir and Facebook

Listen to Hazel Edwards talk about her books with Jen Storer.

Feature author for May - Deborah Abela

The Anzac Stories: Behind the Pages exhibition has many fabulous Australian and New Zealand authors and illustrators in it. Go to Authors/Illustrators/Books to see the full list.

This month we have bestselling author Deborah Abela.  Deborah has a fascinating story to tell why she wrote 'Theresa' - watch her video here or below: 

Deborah launched the video on Facebook: "My wonderful and clever partner, Todd Decker, has made a video about how my kids' novel, Teresa A New Australian, was researched and written. It uses footage from our trip to Malta last October to launch the book with the president. Malta is a beautiful series of islands and the underground tunnels are fascinating."

In the video, Deborah talks about how her children's book Teresa is loosely based on her father's story. The main character in the book, Teresa, was only four years old when the bombs began to fall. Over the next three years her island home of Malta became the most heavily bombed place of WW2. With her country destroyed and starvation rife, Teresa’s father decided to leave for Australia, to its promise of jobs, wealth and a brighter future. Despite very few possessions, little money and outbursts of racism, Teresa and her family work very hard to make Australia their new home. 

Deborah has a new book out this month, too. It's about a fictional character called Wolfie, who unlike other wolves, wants to rescue a princess. See more about it here.